Exclusive: Algeria conducts successful trials of Chinese VT-4 Main Battle Tank.

During its 2023 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, Inner Mongolia First Machinery Group, also known as FIRMACO, reported that its VT-4 main battle tank underwent test assessments in Algeria. According to the company, the VT-4 tank completed a series of exercises, achieving a 100% hit rate in artillery tests and covering 500 kilometers in continuous driving and firing under various conditions. This performance was noted positively by the Algerian side, and the quality breakthrough team was recognized by the Ordnance Industry Group, which shared their experience across the organization.
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The VT-4 tank completed a series of exercises in Algeria, achieving a 100% hit rate in artillery tests and covering 500 kilometers in continuous driving and firing under various conditions. (Picture source: Chinese social media)

FIRMACO, established in 1954 in Baotou, Inner Mongolia, operates under the China North Industries Group Corporation (Norinco). The company specializes in the production of armored vehicles and is the primary manufacturer of main battle tanks in China for both domestic use and international export. Its product range includes several models, such as the Type 59, Type 88, Type 96, MBT-2000, and VT-4 tanks. FIRMACO, also known by names such as Factory 617 and the Baotou Tank Plant, has a longstanding role in supplying military equipment to the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and other clients.

The VT-4, also designated as the MBT-3000, is a main battle tank developed by Norinco for the export market, with units already in service in Nigeria, Pakistan, and Thailand. It has been in service since 2017 and has been used in various military conflicts, including operations against the Islamic State and Boko Haram. The tank weighs 52 tonnes and is operated by a crew of three: a commander, driver, and gunner. It features a ZPT-98A 125 mm smoothbore gun, capable of firing armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS), high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT), high-explosive (HE) rounds, and gun-launched anti-tank guided missiles. Its secondary armament includes a 12.7 mm heavy machine gun mounted on a remote weapon station and a 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun. The VT-4 is powered by a VT/E1 V12 diesel engine, which produces 1,200 horsepower, giving it a top speed of 70 km/h and an operational range of 500 kilometers.

The VT-4 has been in service since 2017 and has been used in various military conflicts, including operations against the Islamic State and Boko Haram. (Picture source: Chinese social media)

The tank's design incorporates composite armor and FY-4 explosive reactive armor for protection. According to its chief designer, Feng Yibai, the frontal protection is comparable to 500 mm of homogeneous steel armor, and the reactive armor provides approximately 700 mm of protection. The VT-4 includes features from other Chinese main battle tanks, such as an automatic transmission system, a 125 mm cannon, a muzzle reference system, and a carousel-style autoloader. The VT-4A1 variant has additional systems, including a 'hardkill' active protection system, grenade launchers, a laser warning device, and radar panels for enhanced defensive capabilities.

Development of the VT-4 began in 2009 as part of a collaboration involving FIRMACO and other Chinese defense companies. The tank emerged from the MBT-3000 program, which aimed to provide a modernized replacement for the earlier Type-90II (MBT-2000) export tank. After being introduced at the 2012 Eurosatory defense exhibition, the VT-4 was showcased at subsequent events, such as the 2014 Norinco Armour Day and the 10th China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition.

Algeria's evaluation of the VT-4 is consistent with its strategy of incorporating various Chinese military assets into its defense arsenal. The country already utilizes a range of Chinese-made equipment, including Type 90B armored personnel carriers, WM-80 multiple rocket launchers, PLZ-45 self-propelled howitzers, HQ-7 short-range air defense systems, and FD-2000 long-range air defense missiles. Additionally, Algeria operates Chinese CH-4 and WJ-700 Falcon High-Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) drones. On August 16, 2024, Algeria announced the acquisition of YJ-12B anti-ship missiles from China for coastal defense.

The VT-4 includes features from other Chinese main battle tanks, such as an automatic transmission system, a 125 mm cannon, a muzzle reference system, and a carousel-style autoloader. (Picture source: Chinese social media)

The VT-4, a main battle tank developed by Norinco for the export market, is currently in service in Nigeria, Pakistan, and Thailand. (Picture source: Chinese social media)